Cosplaying: From a Hobby to a High-paying Job

Known as Shiori in the cosplaying scene, the senior student from Qingdao College, Qingdao, Shandong Province has made a name for herself as one of the most popular cosplayers in the region. (Photo : Women of China)

At first glance, dressing up as one's favorite video or comic character might seem silly. For a college student, however, cosplaying is a well-paying job.

Known as Shiori in the cosplaying scene, the senior student from Qingdao College, Qingdao, Shandong Province, has made a name for herself as one of the most popular cosplayers in the region.

Shiori, who refuses to reveal her real name, was introduced to the world of cosplaying in high school after borrowing costumes from the owner of a comic book store. Her parents, upon seeing her get-up, were initially shocked, asking, "Why would our sweet baby dress like a monster?"

The college student was undeterred, however. According to a report by People's Daily Online, Shiori felt comfortable being on stage dressed as her favorite characters.

She went on to join a local comic association during her second year in college and turned the hobby into a part-time venture. She would go to cosplaying shows in her spare time and earn money.

The famous cosplayer now owns 20 wigs, 10 costumes, as well as several pairs of contact lenses in a variety of colors. Through her part-time jobs and daily savings, Shiori was able to fund her lifestyle, spending approximately 20,000 yuan for her current collection of costumes.

Now a professional cosplayer, Shiori gets paid 2,000 yuan for every show she attends. She also maintains an online cosplay shop, which she opened in 2013,

As for future plans, Shiori has given herself a time limit. If cosplaying does not work out for her in five years, she will find a regular nine-to-five job.